Director Jud's Blog

OvernightSummer camps provide an invaluable opportunity for teenagers to explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. At Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Camp (SMA), located amidst the stunning landscape of central Pennsylvania, teens discover a passion for outdoor adventure and water sports under the guidance of dedicated leaders like camp director Jud Millar and his awesome staff team. This weekend, Jud is gearing up to attend the Philly Bike Expo, an event that not only celebrates all things mountain biking and cycling but also serves as a platform for connecting with families who share a love for mountain biking and adventure.

This morning we had an awesome mountain biking activity session at Stone Mountain Adventures and we mad a video!

Riding bikes is fun. Whether you are riding a bike on a paved street, a gravel roadway, a logging road or a single track trail you can’t help but have fun riding a bike. Something magical happens when you are moving (flying) through the world on 2 wheels not evening thinking about balance and agility, just feeling the wind in your face and enjoying the scenery as it flies by.

Does your teenager love to mountain bike? Does your teen want to ride mountain bikes everyday and gain skill while having fun? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should consider a summer camp that has a focus on mountain biking. Attending a mountain biking summer camp has the potential to be a very positive experience for teenagers. It provides the perfect opportunity for them to learn mountain bike specific skills that will take their riding to the next level. There are mountain biking camps are in different parts of the country. Some things to consider when choosing a mountain bike summer camp for your child include:

• The location of the camp
• The type and quality of the mountain biking trails
• The experience level of staff
• The safety record of the program
• Whether the camp provides mountain bikes or campers need to bring their own bike

Parents can compare the several camps available then choose the best that can work for their kids. Kids who get the opportunity to interact in the camps have the best opportunity to develop life skills. Here are some of the reasons why parents should choose mountain biking teen camp:

The sport of mountain biking is growing exponentially, and this is especially true for kids and teenagers.  Here are some of the reasons that mountain biking is good for kids and teenagers:

Kids “Unplug” and Reconnect with Nature:

Kids and Teens today are often referred to as “screenagers”. According to a report by Common Sense Media tweens age 8 to 12 spend 6 hours a day in front of screen while teens spend 9 hours on screens.  Mountain biking inherently takes place in nature.  Kid and teens who mountain bike reconnect with nature often without even realizing it. There really isn’t anything like being outside and breathing fresh air.  Kids who take time to unplug connect with nature can have a positive effect on their entire mind, body and spirit.

Today our Mountain Bike Masters decided to stay close to camp and have some fun!

Stone Mountain Adventures Summer Camp is excited to announce we will once again host a youth ride on Sunday morning of Dirt Fest! We are excited to be able to share the magic of mountain biking AND the incredible Allegrippis trails with the kids and teens who attend Dirt Fest.

Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) is a co-ed, overnight summer camp for teenagers (12 to 16) located in central PA offering:

• Adventure Activities (Including Mountain Biking)
• Water Sports
• Traditional Sports
• Creative Arts
• Community Service.
• We also have a specialized Mountain Biking Program for kids who want to ride the Alligrippis Trails everyday 
  

What: Kids and Teen Mountain Bike Ride at Dirt Rage Dirt Fest PA       

When: Sunday, May 20th from 9.30am to 1pm

Where: (Option 1): Meet at 9.30am at the SMA Both at the Expo to catch the shuttle up to the Bakers Hollow Lot

             (Option 2): Meet at the Bakers Hollow Parking Lot at 10am

Why you should be using DYE LED Lighting Everywhere

Getting out and about during the summer months is an exciting and fun activity. However, it’s important to make sure that children are safe, especially when cycling late in the evening. LED lights are easy to install anywhere, even on bicycles. Lights on bikes are the best way to make sure that children riding bicycles can be seen by other road users.

Dirt Rag Announces the Dates for this years edition of Dirt Fest

Dirt Fest is a mountain biking festival that takes place in Central Pennsylvania every spring.  The purpose of Dirt Fest is to "Celebrate Mountain Bike Culture", and to ride a lot of bikes.  Riders at Dirfest will get to experience the thrill of the Allegrippis Trail System.  According to the Dirt Fest website the Allegrippis Trail System is "Bike-optimized, so expect routes that contour, and roll with bermed turns and lots of flow."  The best part about the Allegrippis Trail System is that riders of all skill levels and experiences level can ride them with success and have fun!

What:  Dirt Rag's Dirt Fest

Where: The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania

When: May 18 - 21, 2017

Why: Because Everyone Loves to Ride Bikes!